Kerala SIT raids Reporter TV office, residences in Messi visit fraud probe

KOCHI: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged financial irregularities linked to a proposed visit by football star Lionel Messi and Argentina’s national team to Kerala carried out searches at the Reporter TV office and residences connected to its promoters on Wednesday.

The raids, led by ADGP P. Vijayan, began early on Wednesday following a court order and covered five locations across the state.

Among the premises searched were the headquarters of Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC) in Kalamassery and residences of the Augustine brothers, who head the company, in Kochi and Wayanad. Police arrived at the television channel’s office at around 6 a.m.

The searches came shortly after the SIT registered its first First Information Report in Kalamassery as part of its investigation into the proposed Argentina team visit, which had generated significant public attention in Kerala.

Investigators are examining financial transactions and other alleged irregularities connected to the initiative.

The probe has also brought Reporter Broadcasting Company’s financial dealings under scrutiny after an inquiry flagged alleged tax evasion of ₹25.78 crore by the company.

The findings were contained in a Detailed Inquiry Report submitted to the Commissioner of Kerala’s State Goods and Services Tax Department on September 7.

The report also raised allegations involving loans, undisclosed bank accounts and inflated expenditure claims, and recommended a multi-agency investigation into various transactions.

The allegations have not been finally adjudicated and remain subject to investigation and proceedings by the relevant authorities.

Reporter Broadcasting Company condemned Wednesday’s raids and alleged that mobile phones belonging to some employees were seized during the searches.

The SIT investigation centres on financial transactions associated with plans to bring Messi and the reigning world champions Argentina to Kerala, an initiative that had been promoted as a major international sporting event for the state.